Choosing a new roof is an investment, and its implementation puts an immediate mark on the safety, value, and energy efficiency of your house. Having suitable questions at hand makes homeowners highly informed and confident decision-makers.
The following guide addresses questions to ask your roofing contractor so that you can hire an expert pro and steer clear of potentially expensive mistakes in the process.
What to Ask Your Roofing Contractor Before Replacing Your Roof
1. Credentials and Reputation
What are your credentials?
Ask if the roofing contractor is licensed, with liability insurance, and with workers’ compensation insurance. These will protect you and the workers against accidents or loss of property. Never hire a contractor who cannot show proof of these required legal and safety measures.
Are you local and permanent?
Having a locally based contractor is comforting. They are used to local codes, permits, and weather. Local firms also are not “storm-chasers” who arrive and depart after completing rapid, substandard work.
Do you have references and samples of your past work?
Get contact details for existing customers and, when applicable, visit them to see the work done. One of the best ways of determining the reliability and quality of their work before concluding them to sign a contract is to visit their work site to see the quality of work.
2. Insurance, Warranties & Guarantees
Can I see your proof of insurance?
A good roofing contractor must have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. These cover damages to your property and you in case an employee is injured on your property. Always ask for and verify certificates prior to work commencement.
How Long Is Your Workmanship Warranty?
Contractor artistry guarantees vary in length and scope. Ask what is warranted—such as leaks, flashing, and installation defects—and how long it will be warranted. A good artistry warranty indicates that the contractor is proud of what they have done, exceeding the manufacturer’s guarantee by a long shot.
Do you have manufacturer certifications?
Most shingle manufacturers’ extended warranties only apply if bought directly from approved installers. Being a certified contractor also safeguards your roof by having it installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards and potentially getting you qualified for premium warranty packages that non-certified roofers cannot receive.
3. Project Scope and Materials
What kind of roofing system and materials will you use?
Ensure that your contractor is installing an entire roofing system from a single manufacturer. Mixing brands can void warranties and reduce performance. Ask for the product series, quality, and precise components they will be putting in, such as shingles, underlayment, and ice and water shield.
Will you rip off the old roof and inspect the decking?
A complete tear-off allows the contractor to determine whether there is rot or structural issues with the underlying roof decking. Placing new shingles over old shingles will conceal problems and reduce the life of the roof. Seasoned contractors always recommend and perform a complete removal and inspection.
How will you handle ventilation and drainage?
Leakages are averted when such vital spots are properly dealt with, and these ensure a long lifespan of your new roof. Inquire about questions concerning installation procedures, materials used, and whether this material is replaced or reused. The ventilation and drainage should be in accordance with the industry and code standards.
4. Process, Timeline, and Communication
How long is the total project duration?
Understand the start and finish, weather, weather stoppage, and materials changes. Decide on the duration it is going to be operational with the contractor. Clean-up, inspections, and any last walk-throughs must be added to schedules as well.
Who handles permits and inspections?
Your contractor should obtain all the necessary permits and schedule code inspections. It keeps you in legal compliance and spares you from penalty or delay. Do not hire those contractors who ask homeowners to pull permits—it is often an indication of unlicensed work.
5. Site Protection and Waste Management
How do you protect my property from damage throughout installation?
Anticipate tarps covering landscaping, plywood over AC units and windows, and magnetic rollers to collect nails. Inquire about measures taken to keep your driveway, siding, and gutters safe. A good contractor should have a plan to keep damage to property at bay.
What happens to old roofing material and debris?
Try to know who will provide the dumpster, how to keep the debris contained, and what will be determined on a daily basis regarding clean-up. Make sure, before they clean up, that they leave you material-free and your yard clean. Nail sweeps and final walkthroughs are common practices of conscientious crews.
6. Pricing, Payments & Contracts
What are the payment terms and financing available?
Avoid contractors who demand over 30% down. Payments should be milestone-related, not time-related. Ask for payment terms, financing that is available, and documentation of all transactions. Never pay in advance when the job has not had its last inspection.
Local licensure numbers, lien releases?
Your contract should include the contractor’s license number and their insurance information. Request lien waivers to ensure subcontractors have been paid and will not file against your property. You also need to be notified of the cancellation period for legal coverage.
7. Final Inspection and Quality Assurance
Will there be a final inspection?
Some of the places examined in the final walk-through will be flashing, ventilation, attic health, gutter seams, and material quality. Review the work that has been done and inspect it with the contractor to ensure that it is satisfactory and up to local code before paying the last settlement payment.
What do you do about warranty claims and follow-up?
Understand the process for filing complaints, including response times and contact options. A quality contractor should have an easy process for making warranty repairs and stand behind their work well beyond the final bill has been paid.
Conclusion
The solution begins by asking the right questions to find the right roofer. That is where verifying credentials, such as knowing about warranties and cleanup procedures comes into play when it comes to the protection of your house.
Do not take a chance on your roof replacement—contact Born Carpentry today for honest talk, expert skills, and peace of mind backed by local presence and proven track record. Your roof deserves no less.
